Derived forms

Word origin of 'grim'

Old English grimm; related to Old Norse grimmr, Old High German grimm savage, Greek khremizein to neigh

grim for learners of EnglishPowered by COBUILD (grɪm)

Word forms: grimmer, grimmest

Definitions

1. graded adjective & adjective

A situation or piece of information that is grim is unpleasant, depressing, and difficult to accept. ⇒ They painted a grim picture of growing crime. ⇒ There was further grim economic news yesterday. ⇒ The mood could not have been grimmer.

grimnessuncountable noun ⇒ ...an unrelenting grimness of tone.

2. graded adjective & adjective

A place that is grim is unattractive and depressing in appearance. ⇒ The city might be grim at first, but there is a vibrancy and excitement. ⇒ ...the tower blocks on the city's grim edges.

3. graded adjective & adjective

If a person or their behaviour is grim, they are very serious, usually because they are worried about something. [written] ⇒ She was a grim woman with a turned-down mouth. ⇒ Her expression was grim and unpleasant.

grimlygraded adverb ⇒ 'It's too late now to stop him,' Harris said grimly.

4. graded adjective & adjective

If you say that something is grim, you think that it is very bad, ugly, or depressing. [informal] ⇒ Things were pretty grim for a time.

Example sentences containing 'grim'

Old and weary you seem now, and yet you are fell and grim beneath, I deem.J.R.R. Tolkien THE LORD OF THE RINGSI, of all people, know how dedicated to your job you are,' he said with a grim little laugh.Isabel Wolff RESCUING ROSEAnnie was driving, looking straightahead with a grim expression.Isobel Bird CIRCLE OF THREE: BOOK 13: AND IT HARM NONE